Quote:
Originally Posted by AltaGuy
The lobby - yes - but the gap is growing the other way actually: Israel's public has become increasingly right-wing over the last fifteen years since the second intifada, and American Jews have polled lower in their support for and identification with Israel than at any time previously, especially with respect to some of the more controversial policies like settlements. There was a very large divergence after the unfortunate events in Gaza in 2009 especially (Operation Cast Lead). It's a real threat to Israel's identity and future.
http://foreignpolicy.com/2016/03/10/...y-from-israel/ |
Actually the left and centre made huge gains in the last election. Right wing parties have been in power since about 2001. The right wing is now barely ahead of the left. Likud, who is the ruling party, gained more seats in the last election, but they are actually are actually considered a centre right party. Many of the seats they gained were at the expense of more right wing seats.
Overall there is a shift in Israeli politics towards the left. The Yesh Atid party, which is based on secularism is expected to challenge for government in the next general election.